MAMARONECK, N.Y. Thousands gathered on Mamaroneck Avenue on Thursday evening for the 65th annual Firemans Parade, hosted by the Village of Mamaroneck Fire Department.
I think it brings Mamaroneck, as a village, together year after year, said annual spectator Cathee Fava, who was watching the parade with her family. You see people that you know and their children, and its a nice camaraderie.
The parade featured more than 30 fire departments this year. Also present were the New York City Police Department marching band, Knights of Columbus, Village of Mamaroneck EMS, the Police Emerald Society of Westchester Country Drum Corps, the Mamaroneck Historical Society, and the American Legion, among many others.
Ive been watching this since I was five, Benny Orsino of Larchmont said. We come out and watch the color guard, and the trucks and everything.
Bennys wife, Millie, worked for the Larchmont Police Department for 25 years before retiring.
The firemen, the police, the bands - I think its a great thing, she said, noting that her grandson was also in the parade this year.
The parade started a bit after the scheduled time of 7 p.m., but no one seemed to mind as they relaxed on blankets and chairs. Children ran around, playing with bubbles, hula-hoops and balloons.
The kids enjoy the parade. They like the large fire engines; the bigger the better, said George Marx.
Although George now lives in White Plains, he grew up in Mamaroneck and remembers seeing the parade when he was a child. Now he enjoys coming down with his wife, Amy, and their two children.
The parade is good for the town. We had dinner at Sals, and the kids want the toys; its good, he said.
Marci Mehler of Mamaroneck was excited about being at the parade for the second time.
I know a lot of people in town, and its fun. I really enjoy it, she said.
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